Text: Colossians 1:9-10
Walk in Newness of Life (Romans 6:4)
- This follows baptism (Romans 6:3-4) — in baptism we become free from sin (Romans 6:17-18)
- We are to be different than the old self (Romans 6:6) — repentance
- We are to be different than the world (Romans 12:2) — live by a higher standard
Walk in the Spirit (Galatians 5:16)
- Walk by the Spirit, do not carry out the desire of the flesh — two competing worldviews (Romans 8:6)
- Deeds of the flesh (Galatians 5:19-21) — rooted in selfishness & lack of self-control
- Fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) — these are produced as we walk in the Spirit
- To walk in the Spirit is to walk according to the teachings of the Spirit — the word of God (1 Corinthians 2:10)
Walk in Truth (3 John 4)
- Close connection between walking in the Spirit and walking in truth — He is “the Spirit of truth” (John 16:13)
- To do this we must know the truth (John 8:31-32) — only possible by continuing in His word (2 Peter 3:18)
- Once we know the truth we must obey it (James 1:22)
- To walk implies continued obedience (3 John 3; Philippians 2:12)
Walk in Wisdom (Ephesians 5:15)
- Do not walk as unwise men, but as wise — danger in failing to gain wisdom, not learning from our experiences/mistakes in order to improve
- There are no new challenges to be faced (Ecclesiastes 1:9-10) — learn from the past
- There are no new temptations to be overcome (1 Corinthians 10:13) — find the way of escape
- Recognize time is short (Ephesians 5:15-16) — prepare for eternity (2 Peter 3:11,14)
Walk in Love (Ephesians 5:2)
- We do this as we imitate God and Christ (Ephesians 5:1-2) — God is love (1 John 4:8)
- Bible love is sacrificial — more than words and emotions (1 John 3:18)
- We must love others (1 John 4:9-11) and God (John 14:15)
- If we walk in love we will obey God in all things (John 15:13-14)
